Santa Cruz Residents Opposed Proposed Soquel Avenue Project
Neighborhood groups have voiced concerns regarding a potential six-story mixed-use development at 1214 Soquel Avenue.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Seniors
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Santa Cruz residents spoke to the City Council on September 22 to oppose a proposed six-story building at 1214 Soquel Avenue. The project, currently in the pre-application phase, could house either a 173-unit senior living facility or 281 units of affordable housing.
Why it matters
The development has triggered significant local backlash due to potential impacts on neighborhood character, parking, traffic, and the displacement of current businesses like Ace Hardware and The Bagelry. Residents and local political candidates are scrutinizing how the project aligns with the city's existing General Plan and corridor zoning requirements.
The proposed site at 1214 Soquel Avenue encompasses a six-story structure plan filed in July. The developer considers the 281-unit affordable housing option more likely than the 173-unit senior living facility.
The players
Workbench
This is the property development firm responsible for filing the pre-application for the proposed project at 1214 Soquel Avenue.
Seabright Community Response
This local organization facilitates community meetings and coordinates resident feedback regarding development projects in the neighborhood.
Ryan Coonerty
He is a mayoral candidate who has publicly raised concerns regarding the scale and impact of the proposed development.
Ami Chen Mills
She is a mayoral candidate who has expressed public opposition toward the current project plans.
The details
The developer, Workbench, is utilizing objective design standards derived from previous feedback to move the project through the city's established planning process. The site, which currently hosts Yoga Center Santa Cruz alongside retail tenants, was specifically identified for high-density mixed-use development under the current city General Plan.
Timeline
July 2026: Workbench filed the project pre-application.
August 30, 2026: Approximately 200 people attended a community meeting at Tyrell Park.
September 22, 2026: Neighborhood groups addressed the City Council.
September 29, 2026: A community meeting is scheduled via Zoom.
Roadmap
The project follows a pattern set by the Santa Cruz General Plan, which designated the Soquel Avenue corridor for increased density. This proposal reflects a broader shift toward urban intensification in the city, testing how established neighborhood aesthetics adapt to new zoning requirements.
Residents may see significant changes to their daily routines, including increased traffic and reduced parking availability near the Soquel Avenue corridor. The potential displacement of long-standing local businesses like The Bagelry and Ace Hardware could also alter the neighborhood's retail landscape.
The takeaway
As developers look to fulfill city housing mandates, residents should engage early in the planning process to influence the objective design standards of new structures. Attending upcoming community meetings is the most effective way for locals to provide direct input before final project designs are solidified.
Further reading
For more information on housing initiatives impacting the area, visit Seniors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Cruz Sentinel.
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